Deumai Municipality, Ilam - A few decades ago, besides Ilam Bazaar as the district headquarters, Phiikkal in the east and Manglabare in the west were the main trade centers of Ilam. Trade also took place between Manglabare and its neighboring districts of Panchthar and Jhapa.
Previously, the market used to operate every Wednesday in the area known today as “Lower Budhabare” located in Ward No. 4. As the area was far for many traders, they would arrive by Tuesday evening carrying their goods. This led to a bustling scene on Tuesday evenings, resembling a market. It is believed this practice gave rise to the name “Manglabare,” meaning Tuesday-based.
The Wednesday market at Budhabare was considered one of the largest in Ilam. Due to space limitations in Lower Budhabare, around 2015/16 BS, the then Ilam Bada Hakim (chief administrator) Santabir Lama relocated the market to the Manglabare ridge. The tradition of holding the market on Wednesday, however, continued and still exists.
During the Panchayat era, Manglabare was established as a village panchayat. After the restoration of democracy, it became a Village Development Committee (VDC). In 2071 BS, under a cabinet decision, the government merged the then Manglabare and Dhuseni VDCs to form Deumai Municipality among 61 newly declared municipalities.
Later, in line with Nepal's 2072 Constitution and the restructuring process, the existing Deumai Municipality was expanded by merging surrounding VDCs—Chamaitha, Sangrumba, Shantidanda, Siddhithumka, and Jitpur—into the municipality.
The municipality is named after the Deumai River, which flows along its western boundary. The river holds significant religious value in the area.
Deumai Municipality lies in Ilam District of Province No. 1. It is located between 26.816413° to 27.044757° North latitude and 87.7448940° to 88.889877° East longitude.
Total area: 191.63 square kilometers
Elevation: Ranges from 250 meters to 2700 meters above sea level
Covers 0.1302% of Nepal’s land and 11.22% of Ilam District
East: Ilam Municipality
West: Fakfokthum and Mangsebung Rural Municipalities
North: Panchthar District
South: Mai Municipality
Located in northwestern Ilam, a trade hub known for cash crops like ginger, cardamom, broom grass, Akabare chili, and tea
Recognized for both domestic and international tourism
26.816413° to 27.044757°
87.7448940° to 88.889877°
252 to 2691 meters above sea level
191.63 square kilometers
East: Ilam Municipality
West: Fakfokthum and Mangsebung
North: Panchthar
South: Mai Municipality
The municipality experiences three types of climates based on altitude:
Warm monsoon
Mild temperate
Cold temperate
Shravan is the hottest month, while Poush is the coldest.
Average summer temperature: 16°C to 23°C
Average winter temperature: 4°C to 11°C
Average monthly rainfall during monsoon: 35 cm (350 mm)
7,124 households
34,699
Agriculture and Animal Husbandry
59 total schools:
45 government
14 private
1 Gurukul
12:1
13:1
88.80%
Hindu
Nepali
Rai
Brahmin
Chhetri
Limbu
Paddy
Maize
Wheat
Ginger
Broom grass (Amriso)
Tea
Cardamom
Potato
Cattle
Buffalo
Goat
Bus
Taxi
Tempo
Private vehicles (car, motorcycle)
Mobile phone
CDMA phone
Cable television
Internet access
6 health posts
1 primary health center
2 private clinics
1 Ayurvedic hospital
91.31% of households have access to electricity
26 registered groups
Ward No. 1
Chamaita, Maidane, Rankey, Barbote, Sisne, Sepeni, Yakule Gaun, Kafle Gaun, Chauri Bazar, Tar Gaun, Deurali
Dhapatar, Deumi, Kukhure, Dungmali Gaun, Barbhanjyang, Simghre Gaun, Sadhu Gaun, Bahun Gaun, Arje Gaun, Khatri Gaun, Khandrug, Besighare, Cheughare, Muldanda, Mangsire, Deusedanda, Lambagaun, Bhirgaun, Gurung Gaun, Gurunge Gaun (Maidane), Targhare, Khatri Gaun (Maidane), Lalla Gaun, Pandey Gaun, Bhir Gaun (Barbote)
Ward No. 2
Pungpung, Sabjung, Tapewa, Baghshila, Chitre, Mahabir, Bhadure, Saune, Naulegaun, Purkhe, Gumbadanda
Skuldanda, Sansaridanda, Dulal Gaun, Limbu Gaun, Newar Gaun, Rai Gaun, Sunuwar Gaun, Rana Gaun, Magar Gaun, Gairigaun, Chamlagai Gaun, Devisthan, Jhu
Ward No. 3
Shantidanda, Gagrebhanjyang, Surke, Panitar, Pahirebhanjyang, Moolkharka, Dandagaun, Asare Gahari, Rankeytar, Hatedhunga, Lekhtol, Kaparabote
Ward No. 4
Yakshi, Majhuwa, Singlappa, Manglabare Bazar, Gurudhara, Tallo Budhabare, Sorali Gaun, Chitre, Bhojpure Tol, Namasing Gaun, Gairigaun
Ward No. 5
Bohoribote, Angdanda, Kharbari Gaun, Chiduwa, Hangsebun, Dandagaun, Barbhanjyang, Barung, Dhuseni, Kyabung, Singla
Ward No. 6
Chhetri Gaun, Dahal Gaun, Gairigaun, Sisuwa, Dandagaun, Bijuli Bhanjyang, Futuk, Wathung, Skuldanda, Goredanda
Ward No. 7
Namthala, Tegiya, Pankhelung, Basthal, Hangmang, Siureni, Makthumba, Panchami, Bhir Gaun, Phulbari, Gairigaun, Chuli Gaun, Guragai Gaun, Siddhithumka, Gorkhe Gaun, Rana Gaun
Ward No. 8
Futanichowk, Gairigaun, Buddha Chowk, Talkharka, Lumde, Baseni, Raygaun, Ajambare, Jhyaulpokhari, Kiklumba
Ward No. 9
Lingding, Marshe, Nawami, Madibung, Parigaun, Chisapani, Siruwani, Iweg, Bardamba, Jaubari, Dandagaun
Deumai Municipality lies in the hilly region, predominantly shaped by the Mahabharat Range. More than 15 small and large rivers pass through the municipality.
Soil composition includes:
Loamy gravel and stony mixtures
Clay-loamy types
Compact loamy textures
Major Crops Grown:
Paddy, maize, wheat, millet, potatoes, and vegetables
Evergreen and seasonal fruits
Ginger, cardamom, tea, and coffee
Ranging from 252 to 2691 meters in elevation, Deumai Municipality features three climate types:
Warm monsoon
Mild temperate
Cold temperate
Hottest month: Shrawan
Coldest month: Poush
Average Temperatures:
Summer: 16°C to 23°C
Winter: 4°C to 11°C
Rainfall:
During monsoon season, average monthly rainfall reaches 35 cm (350 mm)
The climate is favorable for cash crops such as ginger, cardamom, broom grass, and tea
Deumai is home to a culturally diverse population representing Hindu, Kirat, Buddhist, and Christian communities. Due to migration from different regions across Nepal, the area celebrates a wide variety of festivals.
Mother’s Day (Tirtha Aunsi)
Celebrated in Baisakh on Aunsi by Hindus and others to honor mothers.
Buddha Purnima (Buddha Jayanti)
Observed in Baisakh on Purnima by Buddhist and mixed communities.
Asar 15 – Dahi Chiura Festival
Celebrated in Asar across all farming communities to mark the start of rice planting season.
Luto Falne Jatra
Traditionally observed around Shrawan Sankranti; now rarely celebrated.
Harishayani Ekadashi (Tulsi Plantation)
Celebrated in Shrawan on Ekadashi by Hindu devotees.
Guru Purnima
Celebrated in Shrawan on Purnima as Teacher’s Day in schools.
Nag Panchami
Observed in Shrawan–Bhadau on Panchami by Brahmin, Chhetri, and Hindu communities.
Janai Purnima
Celebrated in Shrawan–Bhadau on Purnima by Brahmins and other Hindus.
Kwati Eating Day
Observed on Janai Purnima, particularly by Newar and Kirati communities.
Last Monday of Shrawan
Celebrated mostly by Hindu women through fasting and rituals.
Gai Jatra
Observed in Bhadau, especially by Newar communities to honor the deceased.
Krishna Janmashtami
Celebrated in Bhadau by Hindus to mark the birth of Lord Krishna.
Haritalika Teej
Celebrated by Hindu women in Bhadau through fasting and prayers.
Vishwakarma Puja
Observed in Ashoj by Hindu artisans, mechanics, and workers.
Dashain (Ghatasthapana to Kojagrat Purnima)
Celebrated in Ashoj–Kartik across all Hindu communities.
Tihar (Kag, Kukur, Laxmi, Govardhan, Bhai Tika)
Observed in Ashoj–Kartik by all Hindu communities.
Mha Puja
Celebrated in Kartik by Newars to purify and honor the self.
Chhath Parva
Observed in Kartik, especially by women from Madhesi communities.
Tamu Lhosar
Celebrated in Poush by Gurung and Tamang communities.
Tol Lhosar
Celebrated in Poush by Gurung, Tamang, and Rai communities.
Sonam Lhosar
Celebrated in Magh by Gurung, Tamang, and Rai ethnic groups.
Maghe Sankranti
Celebrated on Magh 1 by all communities to mark the end of winter.
Gyalmo Lhosar
Celebrated in Falgun–Chaitra by Tibetan Buddhist communities.
Holi (Fagu Purnima)
Celebrated in Falgun on Purnima across all communities in the hills and plains.
Maha Shivaratri
Celebrated in Falgun by Hindu devotees in temples and shrines.
Ram Navami
Celebrated in Chaitra by Hindus to honor the birth of Lord Ram.
Chaite Dashain
Celebrated in Chaitra by Hindu communities with rituals similar to Dashain.
Bakra Eid
Celebrated by Muslim communities with special prayers and offerings.
Christmas
Celebrated in Poush by Christians and mixed communities.
Udhauli (Sakela, Chasok, Tangnam)
Celebrated in Mangsir on Purnima by Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar, and Yakkha communities.
Kuibhir (Chamaita Ward 6)
Ideal for rock climbing
Various species of rhododendron are found
Panoramic sunrise views
The known habitat of the red panda
Khambudanda (Chamaita Ward 6)
Picnic spot
Site for Sakewa festival
Traditional place for Sansari Puja
Religious significance
Bhavabhara Danda (Chamaita Ward 1 & 2)
Offers scenic views of Kanchanjunga and Kumbhakarna peaks
Deumai–Hewa Confluence Hill (Chamaita Ward 5)
Located at the junction of Deumai and Hewa rivers
Geographically and culturally important
Ratna Tunnel (Chamaita Ward 7)
Historically important
Politically significant site
Guphathumki Hill (Chamaita Ward 7)
Scenic viewpoint
Wildlife viewing possible due to nearby community forest
Soharana Devi Temple (Chamaita Ward 7)
Religious tourism site
Tall Rhododendron Tree (Manglabare Ward 3)
Recorded in Guinness Book of World Records
Globally recognized natural attraction
Hanglung Waterfall (Chamaita Ward 8)
Visually stunning waterfall
F Community Forest and Pokhari (Shantidanda Ward 7)
Sunrise viewpoint
Scenic beauty of Gufa Pokhari
Around 80 tourists visit daily
Popular picnic spot
Panitar (Manglabare Ward 4)
Rolling hills covered with tea plantations
Dhode Devi (Manglabare Ward 4)
Naturally formed divine stone sculptures
Offers wide panoramic views of Ilam
Visited by 200+ tourists daily
Popular for daily Hindu worship
Dhodrebar Tree (Manglabare Ward 2)
Estimated 400-year-old sacred tree
Kabrawat Tree (Shantidanda Ward 5)
Massive Kabra tree over 300 years old
50-foot hollow base allows people to walk through
Weekly Tuesday worship tradition
Name origin of Manglabare believed to stem from here
Thulo Nagi (Manglabare Ward 6)
Picnic site and observation point
Nilkantha Mahadev Temple (Manglabare Ward 6)
Known for spiritual healing practices
Devdanda (Manglabare Ward 1)
Hindu religious and scenic site
Chamere Cave (Dhuseni Ward 3)
20 feet deep cave by the riverbank
Known for large bat populations
Lacks promotion and protection
Jatteshwor Mahadev Temple (Dhuseni Ward 2)
Naturally formed idols of Hindu deities
Nageshwari (Dhuseni Ward 7)
Believed to be spiritually powerful
Popular for tantric healing and prophecy
Site of legendary folklore involving Limbu shamans
Jogi Cave (Dhuseni Ward 2)
Believed to be an ancient meditation site
Historically significant
Gorkhali army used it during unification battles
Chhala Wal Danda (Dhuseni Ward 7)
Natural hot spring pond
Thought to cure skin diseases
Popular viewpoint and picnic area
Luti Mai Pokhari (Shantidanda Ward 9)
Sacred pond associated with Luti goddess
Religious rituals conducted annually
Ajambare Hill (Siddhithumka Ward 5)
Site for various cultural and religious ceremonies
Ratna Cave (Siddhithumka Ward 7)
Holds political significance
Rock formations with unique shapes
Siddhithumka Peak (Siddhithumka Ward 3)
Sunrise viewpoint
Home to a large worship stone
Devi temple present
Rare Hi-Guwa plant found
Pankhelung Waterfall (Siddhithumka Ward 7)
Approx. 100-foot tall double-tiered waterfall
Jhyaun Pokhari (Jitpur Ward 2)
Surrounded by water and a central mound
Picturesque natural pond
Dattatreya Temple (Jitpur Ward 2)
Estimated to be 150 years old
Hindu religious pilgrimage site
Lechumba Hill (Jitpur Ward 6)
Elevated hilltop
Offers views of the Terai plains
Site of Mahaguru Falgunanda’s meditation
Revered by followers of the Kirat religion
Shree Kanchanjungha Basic School – Ward 1, Muldanda, established 2050
Shree Dambaradevi Secondary School – Ward 1, Chauri Gaun, established 2013
Shree Janata Basic School – Ward 1, Khandrug, established 2047
Shree Kamaladevi Basic School – Ward 1, Maidane, established 2021
Shree Singhbasanta Basic School – Ward 1, Maidane, established 2048
Shree Janata Basic School – Ward 1, Barbote, established 2056
Shree Siddha Deumai Basic School – Ward 1, Dhappar Tar, established 2033
Shree Singhadevi Basic School – Ward 2, Mahabir, established 2059
Shree Bhanudaya Basic School – Ward 2, Pungpung, established 2026
Baghshila Basic School – Ward 2, Baghla, established 2054
Saujung Basic School – Ward 2, Saujung, established 2016
Devisthan Basic School – Ward 2, Saujung, established 2066
Saraswati Basic School – Ward 2, Tapewa, established 2031
Sahabeer Basic School – Ward 3, Moolkharka, established 2021
Shree Singhadevi Basic School – Ward 3, Dhung, established 2034
Shree Panch Secondary School – Ward 3, Shantidanda, established 2012
Shree Sarke Basic School – Ward 3, Sarke, established 2046
Mahendrodaya Basic School – Ward 3, Gagre Bhanjyang, established 2012
Jub Basic School – Ward 3, Ranketar, established 2064
Janasram Basic School – Ward 4, Singlappa, established 2048
Bhanubhakta Secondary School – Ward 4, Manglabare, established 2008
Netrajyoti Basic School – Ward 4, Yakshi, established 2052
Laxmi Basic School – Ward 5, Kyabung, established 2025
Janakalyan Basic School – Ward 5, Angdang, established 2026
Savitridevi Basic School – Ward 5, Angdang, established 2047
Shree Rudra Basic School – Ward 5, Singlappa, established 2033
Shree Kalika Basic School – Ward 5, Singlappa, established 2033
Bhagwati Secondary School – Ward 5, Barbhanjyang
Nageshwari Basic School – Ward 5, Barung
Shree Singhadevi Basic School – Ward 6, Futuk, established 2040
Shree Khandrug Secondary School – Ward 7, Panchami, established 2013
Shree Gambhir Pokhari Basic School – Ward 7, Pokhari Gaun, established 2043
Shree Adarsha Siddha Basic School – Ward 7, Namthala, established 2017
Shree Kankai Basic School – Ward 7, Basthal, established 2054
Shree Gorkhe Basic School – Ward 7, Gorkhe Gaun, established 2055
Shree Janata Basic School – Ward 8, Talkharka, established 2026
Janakalyan Basic School – Ward 8, Ambote, established 2055
Bhagwati Basic School – Ward 8, Ambote, established 2018
Deurali Basic School – Ward 8, Deurali, established 2031
Shree Tribhuvan Basic School – Ward 9, Lingding, established 2025
Shree Deumai Subidar Bhanjyang Basic School – Ward 9, Subidar Bhanjyang, established 2045
Shree Gajurmukhi Basic School – Ward 9, Majh Gaun, established 2044
Jitpur Secondary School – Ward 9, Nawami, established 2013
Shree Singhwahini Basic School – Ward 9, Katahara, established 2051
Shiddhadevi Saraswati Basic School – Ward 9, Jitpur, established 2049
Chamaita English Institute – Ward 1, Chauri Gaun, established 2051
Bhavabhara Bokul Secondary School – Ward 1, Maidane, established 2047
Suryodaya Shiksha Sadan Secondary School – Ward 1, Manglabare, established 2050
Gajurmukhi Vidya Mandir – Ward 3, Shantidanda, established 2070
Himalayan Secondary School – Ward 3, Shantidanda, established 2045
Ilam Morning Glory Secondary School – Ward 4, Chitre, established 2065
Sirjansheel Secondary School – Ward 4, Yakshi, established 2057
Namuna Boarding School – Ward 5, Dhuseni, established 2066
Evangelina E-Boarding School – Ward 6, Futuk, established 2068
Shree Panchami E-Boarding School – Ward 7, Panchami, established 2063
Ilam Dipshikha Boarding School – Ward 8, Bazaar, established 2060
Dattatreya Boarding School – Ward 8, Ambote, established 2058
Ex-Army Gorkha Exemplary School – Ward 8, Ambote, established 2050
Shree Sayapatri Vidya Mandir – Ward 9, Nawami, established 2056
Shree Shivashakti Gurukul – Ward 4, Yakshi, established 2066
Manglabare Multiple Campus
Ward 4, Manglabare
Programs Offered: Education, Humanities, Management
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